PONANT proposes an exceptional expedition cruise into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula’s ice floes. Set sail on an unforgettable 11-day journey aboard Le Soléal and fall for the charms of the dreamlike landscapes, inhabited by rich and uncommon wildlife.

In Neko Harbour, a magnificent bay surrounded by mountains and ice, you will perhaps be lucky enough to see seals, whales, leopard seals and gentoo penguins.

On Pleneau Island, you’ll be amused by the original gait of the gentoo penguins going about their daily lives with a backdrop of magnificent icebergs. Don’t miss out on the visit to nearby Port Charcot. Jean-Baptiste Charcot, the famous French explorer who led many polar expeditions at the beginning of the 20th century, gave this name to the island as a tribute to his father.

Your ship will then head north before arriving on the volcanic Deception Island, which was long an emblematic whaling site. Its sheltered bay also served as a refuge for sailors during heavy storms.

Before you return to Ushuaia, Le Soléal will clear a path through the impressive tabletop icebergs of the Weddell Sea, leaving you with an unforgettable memory of your Antarctic crossing.

Subject to ice and weather conditions. The expedition highlights and itineraries described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

LE SOLEAL

Designed in 2013 and loyal to the PONANT spirit, Le Soléal like her sisterships embodies the subtle alliance between luxury, intimacy and wellbeing which is Ponant’s signature. The elegance of her exterior and interior lines and her intimate size (only 132 staterooms and suites)make this a rare and innovative yacht on the cruise market.

Interior Design

With her fluid lines and a modern colour scheme combining natural wood with shades of grey and white, Le Soléal presents references to a nautical theme.

Port of call & excursions

Ushuaia

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia lies in a bay opening into the Beagle Channel at the country's southernmost tip. Its colourful houses are framed against towering mountains, snow-capped in winter and summer alike. Downtown, the End of the World Museum showcases Tierra del Fuego's natural and indigenous history. A ride on the heritage railway is an exciting excursion into the Tierra del Fuego National Park, while a cruise on Ushuaia Bay is the perfect way to spot sea lions and Magellanic penguins.

15 February 2019▸16 February 2019 – Drake Passage

Arrival 15/02/2019 . Departure 16/02/2019 .

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to Antarctica. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

17 February 2019 – Neko Harbour

Arrival 17/02/2019 . Departure 17/02/2019 .

A little corner of paradise in the shadow of a towering glacier, Neko Harbour is without a doubt one of the most beautiful sites on the Antarctic Peninsula. It was discovered by Belgian navigator Adrien de Gerlache during his 1897-1899 expedition. Mountains, ice and wildlife combine to form a truly unique landscape. Animals are as abundant as they are exotic: among others, you'll encounter seabirds (gulls, Cape petrels, cormorants) and marine mammals (seals, orcas and other whale species). Head out on a Zodiac® excursion to get up close to the icebergs, stop over near a penguin colony, watch a leopard seal sunbathe between dives and enjoy an impromptu aerial show from passing Antarctic terns.

17 February 2019 – Paradise Bay

Arrival 17/02/2019 . Departure 17/02/2019 .

With its spectacular landscapes composed of towering glacial peaks plunging down into the icy waters of the Antarctic, Paradise Bay is true to its name. Discovered and named by whalers in the early 20th century, this protected natural site is currently home to a wide variety of fauna, from Antarctic cormorants and leopard seals to sheathbills and gentoo penguins, who mingle on the long stretch of rocky beaches. With some luck, you'll even be privy to an unforgettable underwater dance between passing humpback whales. During your excursion, head off to discover the old Argentine base Almirante Brown, which is only occupied for a few weeks each year, during the austral summer.

18 February 2019 – Pleneau Island

Arrival 18/02/2019 . Departure 18/02/2019 .

Named after talented photographer Paul Pléneau, who accompanied Jean-Baptiste Charcot on his 1903 expedition, Pleneau Island has become a refuge for gentoo penguins, elephant seals and fur seals. A ‘fleet’ of imposing ice formations sit like anchored ships along its shores. Like works of art, these unusually-sculpted icebergs range in colour from white to blue and every shade in between. On land, red algae provides a striking contrast against empty swathes of snow that alternate with gentoo penguin nesting sites, strewn all across the island.

18 February 2019 – Port Charcot

Arrival 18/02/2019 . Departure 18/02/2019 .

This cove, a natural harbour located in Salpêtrière Bay, was discovered by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot. Named for the explorer's father, famed neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, this tip of Booth Island still holds vestiges of Charcot's 1903-1905 anchoring aboard his ship, Le Français. A brisk walk through the snow will take you to the remains of Charcot's stone cabin where he conducted studies on magnetism. Right nearby, you'll notice a colony of gentoo penguins. If you continue on to the summit, you'll pass by the remnants of a cairn and enjoy an unobstructed view of the vast field of icebergs scattered over the bay like white tombstones—an eerie, mystical site like none other.

19 February 2019 – Port Lockroy

Arrival 19/02/2019 . Departure 19/02/2019 .

During your cruise, you'll have the opportunity to stop over at Port Lockroy, a spectacular natural harbour nestled in the very heart of the Antarctic Peninsula on Goudier Island. Discovered by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot in 1903, the site has served over the years as a stopover for whaling ships, a British military base and later a research station. The port is currently one of the most visited sites in the Antarctic, thanks to its tiny museum which allows visitors to experience the base as it was in the 1950s and to take home a souvenir from its gift shop. While you're here, don't miss the chance to send your loved ones a post card from the southernmost post office in the world!

20 February 2019 – Deception Island

Arrival 20/02/2019 . Departure 20/02/2019 .

Situated just above the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, Deception Island is easily recognisable thanks to its distinctive horseshoe shape. The crater of this former volcano caved in 10,000 years ago and the resulting caldera was flooded, creating a natural harbour. Deception Island still bears traces of its past as a longtime hub of the whaling industry. The vestiges of abandoned sheds that line the black sand of its volcanic beaches share space with the island's spectacular fauna: it is home to the Antarctic Peninsula’s largest colony of chinstrap penguins, as well as numerous elephant seals and fur seals.

21 February 2019 – Weddell Sea

Arrival 21/02/2019 . Departure 21/02/2019 .

Amidst the eerie stillness of the Weddell Sea, you'll wend your way through a veritable labyrinth of majestic table icebergs. Sweeping ice platforms sculpt a landscape unlike any other, populated by fur seals, penguins, wandering albatross and other imposing seabirds. The Weddell seal, king of this realm, will welcome you to his territory with a haunting cry that pierces the surrounding silence. You'll recognise him by his dark grey coat and spotted belly. Weddell seals have the impressive distinction of being able to stay underwater for more than an hour.

22 February 2019▸23 February 2019 – Drake Passage

Arrival 22/02/2019 . Departure 23/02/2019 .

If there is one place, one sea, one waterway dreaded by tourists, researchers and hardened seafarers alike, it is undoubtedly Drake Passage. Situated at the latitude of the infamous Furious Fifties winds, between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, it is the shortest route to Antarctica. Seasoned navigators will tell you that you must earn your visit to the White Continent! As the Antarctic convergence zone where cold currents rising up from the South Pole meet warmer equatorial water masses, Drake Passage harbours a very diverse marine fauna. Don't forget to look to the sky to catch a glimpse of elegant albatross and Cape petrels, playfully floating about in the wind around your ship.

Ushuaia

Disembarkation 24/02/2019 at 07H00 .

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia lies in a bay opening into the Beagle Channel at the country's southernmost tip. Its colourful houses are framed against towering mountains, snow-capped in winter and summer alike. Downtown, the End of the World Museum showcases Tierra del Fuego's natural and indigenous history. A ride on the heritage railway is an exciting excursion into the Tierra del Fuego National Park, while a cruise on Ushuaia Bay is the perfect way to spot sea lions and Magellanic penguins.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

We remind you that all our ships, with the exception of Le Ponant, have a doctor on board and medical facilities. However, these cannot, under any circumstances, be compared to any medical structure on land. Given the remote areas in which we will be sailing for a number of days, safety requirements mean that we are obliged to ask each passenger signing up for this program to provide us, no more than 45 days before departure, with a medical certificate from their GP, as well as the completed medical questionnaire received during registration.

Argentina: should you require a visa to travel to Argentina, we recommend you apply for a double-entry visa as a technical stop in Chile might be scheduled.

Theme

EXPEDITION

Exploring the world’s extreme regions while enjoying luxury comfort and service: that is the unique Expedition Cruise concept brought to you by Ponant, the world’s leading polar cruise specialist.

Exceptional itineraries

Ponant Expedition cruises take you off the beaten path, for true adventures that are both authentic and refined. We have designed a large number of itineraries just for you, to give you access to exceptional lands all around the globe. From the Arctic to the Antarctic via Alaska, South America or Oceania, each luxury Expedition is the promise of a different and unique cruise experience.

A luxury expedition voyage

No matter which destination you choose, you will always find the same exceptional standards of comfort, service and elegance that have forged Ponant’s reputation. Our sisterships have earned Class Comfort 1 certification and can sail in the world’s most extreme regions, whilst offering an intimate and refined luxury atmosphere and environment. A certain idea of luxury, a way of experiencing cruising... differently.

Discovering the wonders of the world

The hikes, excursions and Zodiac outings organised during your Expedition cruise provide ample opportunity for you to discover the hidden treasures of these regions. With guidance from our experienced naturalists, lecturers and guides, you will be able to approach a rich and unfamiliar wildlife and flora and meet little-known tribes and ethnic groups. On board and on land, our specialists will provide a cultural, historical or geological dimension, and will take great pleasure in answering all of your questions.

Flight details will be provided approximately 30 days before departure.

We suggest you to be at the check in counter 1 ½ hour before flight departure time.

Meet and greet at Ushuaia airport.

Depending on your choice made when booking your cruise (options not combinable):

Depart the airport for your transfer to the Arakur Hotel, one of the newest hotels built in Ushuaia. It overlooks the town and its bay.

In the Yamanas’ language, “Ushuaia” means “the bay which looks towards the east”, this native tribe was established here long before the arrival of the “white” people. At the tip of the Beagle Channel, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Ushuaia is a unique place in this world and is proud to be the southernmost city. Rising on an island, it seems to float between two oceans. The snow-capped mountains draw the border with Chile in the background. Here you truly feel at the end of the world…

After lunch at the Arakur Hotel you will have some time at leisure and /or will be invited to join a walk through the Natural Reserve of the Cerro Alarken. Arakur is a unique starting point for discovering a preserved area which covers 100 hectares; this is a sheltered place for flora and fauna species typical to the Tierra del Fuego area (please note that the observation of the fauna is not guaranteed). The unique location of the Arakur close to the Mount Alarken makes it as well the perfect setting to enjoy lovely panoramas over the bay.

The walk is selected in order to suit most guests’ walking ability.

OR

At the moment of booking your cruise, guests willing to visit the Tierra del Fuego National Park will be able to sign up for a group optional excursion, with extra cost. If you decide to do so, please note that immediately upon arrival in Ushuaia airport, you will leave towards the Park where you will have lunch before starting the tour.

Created in 1960, the park covers 155 acres, it is located south west of the Tierra del Fuego Province on the Beagle Canal. One of his entries stands slightly over 6 miles from Ushuaia.

Mountainous landscapes, lagoons, bogs, and rivers draw a picturesque scenery reinforced by the southern position of the park itself. The Darwin Mountains, which represent the southern part of the Andes Mountains are mainly responsible for such landscape. The Park is only partly accessible to the public and this tour will provide you with the opportunity to discover the local flora and sub- Antarctic landscapes; should you get lucky you may encounter beavers’ dams, birds, wild orchids etc… This is a true paradise for Nature Lovers! Lunch will be served in a restaurant within the Park.

At the end of your visit, you will return to Ushuaia and the port, for embarkation on your vessel.

Please note that the Tierra del Fuego excursion is subject to a minimum of participants: if this number is not reached, our operator will not be able to guarantee the departure – In this case, you will be given the option to join the Arakur programme.

NB:

The 4-night pre-cruise programme “Patagonia, land of contrast” found under the “pre/post & overland" tab and the programme scheduled on embarkation day detailed here above are not compatible. If choosing to participate on the “Patagonia, land of contrast” programme the amount of the included embarkation day programme, will be deducted from your invoice. Please call our travel agents for reservation and to have your invoice adjusted accordingly.

- Cruise on board your cruise ship –

Disembarkation day Ushuaia / Buenos Aires

Disembarkation and transfer to Ushuaia airport.

Flight Ushuaia / Buenos Aires.

Flight number and time schedule are to be advised about 30 days prior to departure.

Your programme includes:

Transfers, flights Buenos Aires/Ushuaia/Buenos Aires in economy class

Lunch at Arakur Hotel

Beverages during lunch (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + 1 coffee) on embarkation day

The walk through the Cerro Alarken Reserve starting from the Arakur Hotel and leaded by English speaking guide (except if you select the optional Tierra del Fuego National Park excursion)

Please note if you choose this excursion, it is not combinable with Arakur Hotel program and therefore replaces it.

The excursion by local bus and the entrance fees to the National Park

The lunch with the beverage package including: 1 mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer + tea or coffee

Transfer and visit as mentioned in the programme

The services of a local English speaking guide

NB:

The 4-night pre-cruise programme “Patagonia, land of contrast” found under the “pre/post & overland" tab and the programme scheduled on embarkation day detailed here above are not compatible. If choosing to participate on the “Patagonia, land of contrast” programme the amount of the included embarkation day programme, will be deducted from your invoice. Please call our travel agents for reservation and to have your invoice adjusted accordingly.

Your programme does not include:

Gratuities for driver and local guide

Personal expenses, and other services not mentioned in the program

The optional excursion to the Tierra del Fuego National Park which has to be booked at the moment you book your cruise

Note :

The local currency is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centers and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.

Summer season: temperatures vary between 41F and 65F

We recommend you wear warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes either for the visit to the Reserve or if you book the optional excursion to the National Park.

Seats are limited. Subject to availability.

The duration of the tour is subject to change. The order of the visits may be reversed.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. PONANT advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations.

PONANT specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure.

PONANT invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.

Important information

Expeditions programs include activities such as Zodiac® outings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes. All this accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides. Certain zodiac® outings will not allow for landings just cruising. Landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice and winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time.

Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience. The raw beauty and untouched wilderness offer an unusual chance to experience a place where there is little evidence of human presence. Inevitably, there are some consequences that come with such remoteness: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is highly expensive. Without the necessary medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid from with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe a full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully and be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive.

Taking into consideration the unusual and exceptional character of expedition itineraries, the calls shown are an indication only. The final route will be confirmed by the Captain and Expedition Leader, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. Their decision will be subject to that of local authorities and/or the expert pilots present on board during the navigation in polar and /or isolated zones.

Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to land in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. You can also bring water-resistant hiking boots. A boots rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises where the stamp “Boots offered” appears

Comfortable pants: classic Winter pants, warm cotton tracksuit

Water-resistant windbreaker over pants - COMPULSORY

Winter pants with water-resistant over pants is the ideal combination: water-resistance and comfort suitability of pants are essential

Pre/Post & Overlands

Before your cruise

Patagonia, land of contrast (4 nights)
10/02/2019

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

With this rich and varied programme, discover the highlights of the attractive and pulsating capital of Argentina, explore the spectacular glacier of Perito Moreno, and admire the wilderness of Patagonia in the nature reserve of Torres del Paine.

Day 1 - Buenos Aires

Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. After being welcomed by our local representative, you will be transferred to the Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel 5* (or similar).

Morning and lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, start your panoramic city tour of Buenos Aires. The metropolis is famous for being the “Paris of South America” and the visitor will quickly figure it out by looking at its architecture. Mainly in down town and in the central neighbourhoods, you will find testimonies of its glorious past. You will visit the heart of the city, May Square (Plaza de Mayo), with the Government House (Casa Rosada) on one side and the cathedral on the other side, and the City Hall. The Cabildo is right across the street, it is the Town Hall of colonial times. The square is also known as the “Mothers of May Square” (Madres de Plaza de Mayo), with their mute protests they started during the military government. From there, the coach drives you through San Telmo (a tango district) to La Boca, with its most famous colourful and picturesque houses on Caminito Street. La Boca is the oldest harbour of Buenos Aires and in the early 20th century, most Italian immigrants made here their first steps in their new homeland. Today, it is the favourite neighbourhood for these Italian families' descendants. At the end of the tour you will visit the northern part of Buenos Aires. The Recoleta neighbourhood with its French style wide avenues, parks and residential houses contrasts with the “Barrio de La Boca”. Here, you will visit the unique monumental cemetery, where Evita Perón and other historical people are buried.

At the end of the day, you will enjoy a typical early dinner in a local steakhouse restaurant in Puerto Madero. After tasting the famous grilled meat, part of the Argentine national identity, you will return to your hotel.

Day 2 - Buenos Aires/El Calafate

Transfer to Buenos Aires airport.

Flight Buenos Aires/El Calafate.

After being welcomed by your local English-speaking representative, you will be transferred to the Hotel Posada Los Alamos 4* (or similar).

Lunch in a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, you will go to the spectacular Perito Moreno glacier. This extraordinary tour will bring you to the biggest and most important highlight of the Argentine Patagonia region, the spectacular glacier Perito Moreno. The glacier is about 50 miles (80 km) from El Calafate. During this tour, you will notice the dramatic change in landscape. While in El Calafate everything is dry, harsh and flat, at the park entrance you will see trees, mountains and green vegetation. Soon you will see the breath-taking Perito Moreno glacier, the centrepiece of the national park. Due to unusually favourable local conditions, it is one of the few advancing glaciers on the planet. The Moreno glacier merits a visit and you will be highly impressed standing only a few meters away from its 200 to 260-yard high (60 to 80 m) walls. The deep blue colours of the ice and the shape of the glacier with all its small columns are unbelievable. You will have enough time to explore this marvellous spectacle by yourself, before returning to El Calafate.

Dinner at the hotel or in a local restaurant.

Day 3 - El Calafate/Torres del Paine National Park

You will drive towards the Chilean border at Cerro Castillo (about a 4-hour drive). After the border formalities, you will change to another coach and meet your Chilean local driver.

Located South of Coyhaique, this National Reserve is found in the Aysen Region of Chile, and offers some of the best hiking in the region. The reserve has an area of over 247,000 acres (100,000 ha) and is home to some of the largest mountains in the Patagonian Andes, most notably Cerro Iglesia, 5,741 feet (1,750 m) and Cerro Castillo, 7,611 feet (2,320 m), a mountain shaped like a castle of stone and ice.

Lunch in a local restaurant

Then you will drive towards the Torres del Paine National Park (about another 1 ½ hour). Located just 95 miles (154 km) northwest of Puerto Natales and 248 miles (399 km) from Punta Arenas. On the way, you will have a photo stop before arriving at your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 - Torres del Paine National Park/El Calafate

Today, visit the Torres del Paine National Park, which provides wonderful views onto the Torres Massif and its jagged peaks, as well as of Grey Lake and Grey Glacier. Several short hikes enable visitors to reach the most beautiful viewing points in the park and to become acquainted with the wealth of flora and fauna found in the area. This 561,665-acre (227,298 ha) sanctuary was founded under the name of Lago Gray National Tourism Park on 13 May 1959, when the main activity of the area was still livestock, and tourism were relegated to a few adventurers. Just on 30 of April 1970, the park adds 27,180 new acres (11,000 ha) to its protected terrain and is baptized as it is known today: Torres del Paine National Park. The park encompasses ancient forests, glaciers, lakes, rivers and fjords, and fauna including guanacos, foxes, pumas and a diverse array of birds.

Lunch box with beverages.

By mid-afternoon, drive back towards the Argentine border. Border formalities followed by change of coach. Drive to the Chali Aike farm at Esperanza. Here, you will have dinner with a small demonstration of the Gaucho life.

After your dinner, you will be transferred to El Calafate (about 2-hour drive) at the Hotel Posada Los Alamos (or similar).

Day 5 - El Calafate/Ushuaia

Transfer to El Calafate airport in time for flight El Calafate/Ushuaia.

After being welcomed by our local English-speaking representative, you will be transferred to a local restaurant for lunch.

Enjoy some time at leisure in the city centre of Ushuaia, before your transfer to the pier in time for embarkation.

Your hotels:

The Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel 5* (Buenos Aires)

In the sophisticated neighbourhood of Recoleta, known for its neoclassical architecture, The Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel stands out thanks to its contemporary style and imposing brick façade. The hotel offers easy access to the main tourist attractions in Buenos Aires and features elegant, spacious rooms, a pool, restaurant and bar, ensuring a luxurious, authentic and exclusive experience for our guests.

Hotel Posada Los Alamos 4* (El Calafate)

The Hotel Posada Los Alamos is situated in the heart of El Calafate, close to Argentino Lake. It has spa facilities, an indoor pool and free Wi-Fi in all areas. The guest rooms feature heating, as well as a mini bar and cable TV. Rooms have views over the organic garden and the mountains beyond.

Hotel Lago Grey (Torres del Paine)

Located in Torres del Paine, Hotel Lago Grey offers accommodations where guests can enjoy rooms with large windows overlooking Grey Lake or the forests. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Rooms here are all fitted with heating, private en suite bathroom and satellite television. Additionally, they offer great garden, mountain or lake views.

Your programme includes:

1 night in Buenos Aires, at the Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel (or similar), with early check-in on day 1 (from 11 a.m.).

2 nights in El Calafate, at the Hotel Posada Los Alamos (or similar).

1 night in Torres del Paine, at the Hotel Lago Grey (or similar).

Domestic flights Buenos Aires/El Calafate/Ushuaia in economy class.

Meals and beverage package (mineral water + 1 soft drink or 1 beer or 1 glass of wine + 1 tea or 1 coffee) as mentioned in the programme.

Transfers and visits mentioned in the programme.

Entrance fees for national parks and reserves.

Services of local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

Lunch on day 1.

Tips for the guide and the driver.

Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Note:

By choosing this excluive programme, please note that the embarkation day programme as mentioned in the "Cruise package" tab is not compatible nor cumulative with this Patagonia, a land of contrast(4 nights) tour.

Please contact our travel agents for more information and to buy this 4-night tour.

The local currency in Argentina is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Argentinian Pesos from the ATM’s.

The local currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso. Foreign currencies are generally not accepted. You will be able to make most of your purchases by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Chilean Pesos from the ATM’s.

At the Argentine/Chile borders on day 3 and 4, after border formalities, you will change coach.

Lunch on day 1 is at leisure and is not included in the program. If you wish to have your meal at the hotel, the corresponding price will be added to your hotel room account, to be paid upon check-out.

During your journey to Torres Del Paine National Park, we suggest you leave your main luggage at the hotel at El Calafate. It will be stored in a safe room and you will take it back at your return.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. We advise travellers to consult the country fact sheets relating to the chosen destinations.

The luggage allowance is maximum 23 kg.

This program includes a visit to the Chilean side. No visa is required for border-crossing by land.

In Chile, the import of food is strictly regulated. For further information, please check with your local guide.

Hotels contacts:

The Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel 5*

Posadas 1232

1011 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Phone number: (+54) 11 4819 1100

Hotel Posada Los Alamos 4*

Ing. Hector Mario Guatti 1135

El Calafate, Santa Cruz, Argentina

Phone number: (+54) (0) 29 0249 1144

Hotel Lago Grey

Sector Lago Grey S/N

8320000 Torres del Paine, Chile

Phone number: (+56) 6 1271 2190

Durations are indicative and the order of visits may change.

For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your adviser; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Overnight in Buenos Aires (1 night)
13/02/2019

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Enjoy a panoramic city tour and discover the highlights of the attractive and pulsating capital of Argentina, renowned as the “Paris of South America”.

Day 1 - Buenos Aires

Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. After being welcomed by our local representative, you will be transferred to the Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel 5* (or similar).

Morning and lunch at leisure.

In the afternoon, panoramic tour of Buenos Aires. Mainly in down town and in the central neighbourhoods, you will find testimonies of its glorious past. You will visit the heart of the city, May Square (Plaza de Mayo), with the Government House (Casa Rosada) on one side and the cathedral on the other side, and the City Hall. The Cabildo is right across the street, it is the Town Hall of colonial times. The square is also known as the “Mothers of May Square” (Madres de Plaza de Mayo), with their mute protests they started during the military government. From there, the coach drives you through San Telmo (a tango district) to La Boca, with its most famous colourful and picturesque houses on Caminito Street. La Boca is the oldest harbour of Buenos Aires and in the early 20th century, most Italian immigrants made here their first steps in their new homeland. Today, it is the favourite neighbourhood for these Italian families' descendants. At the end of the tour you will visit the northern part of Buenos Aires. The Recoleta neighbourhood with its French style wide avenues, parks and residential houses contrasts with the “Barrio de La Boca”. Here, you will visit the unique monumental cemetery, where Evita Perón and other historical people are buried.

At the end of the day, you will enjoy a typical dinner in a local steakhouse restaurant in Puerto Madero. After tasting the famous grilled meat, part of the Argentine national identity, you will return to your hotel.

Day 2 - Buenos Aires

Transfer to Buenos Aires airport, in connection with the flight Buenos Aires/Ushuaia.

On arrival at Ushuaia, you will be transferred to the pier to embark your ship.

Your hotel:

The Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel 5*

In the sophisticated neighbourhood of La Recoleta, known for its neoclassical architecture, The Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel stands out thanks to its contemporary style and imposing brick façade. The hotel offers easy access to the main tourist attractions in Buenos Aires and features elegant, spacious rooms, a pool, restaurant and bar, ensuring a luxurious, authentic and exclusive experience for our guests.

Your program includes:

1 night accommodation at the Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel or similar, with early check-in on day 1 (from 11 a.m.).

Tips for the guide and the driver - we suggest the amount of USD 1 per person per day, as per local custom.

Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the program.

Notes:

The local currency is the Argentinian Peso. You will be able to make most of your purchases in USD (in small denominations) or by credit card, accepted in most hotels, shopping centres and boutiques. You will also be able to retrieve Pesos from the ATM’s.

Contacts of your hotel:

The Brick M-Gallery Hotel by Sofitel

Posadas 1232

1011 Buenos Aires, Argentina

Phone number: (+54) 11 4819 1100

Durations are indicative and the order of visits may change.

For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your adviser; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.